Anyone else missing someone to fill the Birth Partner/Hypno-Protector role? I'm starting to get nervous that I have no one to defend my space and answer questions on my behalf. DH will be caring for DS, not supporting me. I have a doula, but that's a separate role, and part of her certification/contract is that she can only speak directly to DH or I, never to care providers on my behalf.

Hmm, I am sorry to hear that your DH won't be with you for the birth? I think it's great that you have a doula though. You will have a birth plan with all your preferences on it, right? Can't your doula be the one to keep nurses and others, following it? I am new to Hypnobabies this time around....so don't have much advice, but wanted to chime in anyway. I plan to have my birth preferences written out and given the nurses/care providers before we go in for our birthing...that way, they know more what to expect and then I hope that DH can help if we need someone to speak up about something.

__________________Leah, Jesus lover, wife to youth pastor Todd
and loving being a Homeschooling/SAHM to 6 boys!

DH will be in the house with me, but not really involved in the birth. I had hoped last time that he would be able to answer questions and support me, including defending my wishes to hospital staff. One very traumatic birth later, I recognise that he is incapable of dealing with authority or any kind of stress, he shuts down and withdraws, leaving me to be "in charge" as I always am - but can't be while birthing. No, my doula is prevented by her parent organisation's regulation from speaking to the midwives directly, she can just say things to me ("Are you sure that YOU want an episiotomy? Are cervical checks in your birth plan?") then the onus is on me to speak up. Not exactly conducive to keeping my switch in Off.